Image: Blake Ezra Photography (Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor)
What is, hands down, the most fun and exciting part of any Jewish wedding? In the immortal words of Anthony from Sex and the City, the answer is: “the hora! THE HORA!”
The hora (sometimes called Jewish Dancing or Israeli Dancing) is a highly energetic Israeli circle dance, and guests are supposed to put as much vigor and enthusiasm into it as they would on their own wedding day. Danced to klezmer music, it’s usually the part of the wedding where you’ll see the happy couple lifted on chairs (equal parts exhilarating and terrifying), or being thrown about on a sheet!
At religious, Orthodox Jewish weddings, men and women dance the hora separately, with a dividing wall, while Reform, Liberal and Jew-ish weddings tend to keep the party in one place.
It’s an amazing challenge for any photographer, to capture the mayhem, and frankly, at this point, brides can forget about their hair and makeup, because things are going to get sweaty!
So, given how integral the hora is to a real Jewish knees up, how do you make it happen? Here are some tips to getting everybody at your wedding involved in this boisterous and brilliant tradition.
Image: David Pullum Photography (Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor)
Kick off with klezmer music
If your budget can stretch to it we highly recommend a live band. Whether it’s a live band who can play some klezmer classics, or a traditional klezmer band, it’s all in the music. If live entertainment is a little out of budget, we advise putting together a klezmer playlist or asking your DJ to dedicate a special portion of the evening to it.
There are many traditional melodies to choose from. If you’re not sure where to start, YouTube is a great source of inspiration for hora songs. This video alone is a medley of some of the most popular songs to dance the hora to, to get your playlist going.
Image: York Place Studios ( Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor)
Learn some basic hora steps
Chances are, if you’re having a Jewish or Jew-ish wedding, that you’re probably already a somewhat accomplished hora dancer. However, if you’re a little unsure of what happens when you dance the hora, why not brush up before the big day?
Whether you find a local Israeli dance class or teacher to help you out, or you use one of the many YouTube tutorials available, make sure you’re confident enough to whip up enthusiasm among your guests. They will, after all, be following your lead.
Image: David Pullum Photography (Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor)
Appoint hora dance leaders
Some klezmer bands have somebody specifically designated to get into the fray, encourage your guests to join in and show everybody what to do. This is a really great investment for creating an amazing atmosphere. However, if that stretches the purse strings a little too much, try appointing some more experienced friends and family members to lead the hora dancing when the time comes.
Image: York Place Studios ( Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor)
When to dance the hora
There’s no right or wrong time to dance the hora. Some couples choose to do so before dinner is served, others to kick off the dancing, while some wait until later in the evening.
There are advantages and disadvantages to all. The hora is a great way to get everyone up and dancing, because it’s so easy and accessible, so earlier in the evening has its benefits. Having said that, a pre-dinner hora can lack energy and a post-meal hora… well… it’s a lot of moving around after a big meal.
Ultimately, it’s up to you and what is most important to you, as well as the unique flow of your day. For example, it might be a shame to get everyone out of their seats for the hora, only to seat them again for the meal and lose momentum. Personally, we feel the hora is best danced when guests are really ready to let loose, after all the photos and moments are captured, and when you’re ready for that energy to continue throughout the evening.
On the other hand (sorry to sound like Tevye), it might be wise to be lifted in your chairs earlier, rather than later, for more safe, sober pairs of hands.
If you’re not sure, chat to your band or DJ and perhaps ask them to use their best judgement where the Israeli dancing is concerned.
Image: Gianni Di Natale
How much time to dedicate to the hora
Generally, the hora is danced for anything from five to twenty minutes. It really depends on the demographic of your guests, how much they enjoy the dancing and how soon they start flagging.
The best thing to do is to have your band or DJ judge the lay of the land on the night, as people might be totally up for a bit more of a dance than you realise, or might tire quicker than you anticipated.
If you have a medley of songs you simply love, and want included, allocating more time to the hora is a good idea.
We love love LOVE the Jewish dancing and our top tip? Have your face glisten with glee (and sweat) during the Hora – totally and utterly go for it – do not worry about your make up or your dress – this is SUCH a joyous moment – be sure to let go!
